The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers a long stretch of countryside across the southern English counties of Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent. It spans from the north near Tonbridge and stretches in all directions as far as Crawley in the west and south eastwards to meet the coast near Hastings.
Former hop growing area
Much of the farmland used to be hop growing country until cheap imports made farming hops unprofitable. The late 19th century was the heyday of hop and beer production. Lots of oast houses with pointed roofs still be seen on farms, especially in Kent. These contribute to the character.
Entire families used to come for a working holiday to High Weald and to help bring in the hop harvest. There was much camaraderie and it was something that people enjoyed participating in. A fair number of pints of beer would be drink in the evenings accompanied by a rousing singsong.
A small quantity of hops is still grown today, although farmers depend on foreign workers to pick them. Most of the land is now farmed in other ways. It remains very pretty although it is mostly flat. There are tree lined roads, woodlands and hedgerows that give the impression of verdant lush countryside. The trees are impressive, many are mature enormous specimens that put on a show of colour in the autmn.
Historic villages
Dotted about the High Weald are various delightful villages where it would be pleasant to stay for a holiday and explore the area. Many of the villages are historic and make an appearance in the Domesday Book. A typical English village pattern can be noted of a parish church, a village green, often with a duck pond. There are almost always ancient inns, brimming with beams and huge open fireplaces, that offer good food as well as a drink.
This village street in Goudhurst contains cottages that date back to circa 1600.
Lots of places to visit
Anyone with an interest in the countryside would love walking in the High Weald. It is crisscrossed with way-marked footpaths and bridleways, each offering a splendid view. There are stately homes and gardens, castles galore, tea shops and antique shops. Everywhere in England is a blend of ancient and new, history reveals itself in the medieval, Jacobean, Georgian, Victorian buildings.
Scotney Castle shown below:
A good holiday in High Weald would include days of discovery out and about, long walks and time out to visit tourist attractions.
The National Trust manages certain properties of historic interest. Bateman’s is a Jacobean house that once belonged to Rudyard Kipling. It can be found near the leafy village of Burwash.
The town of Royal Tunbridge Wells sits in the north of High Weald. Granted royal status by King Edward VII, the town is an example of middle class England. There are more leafy avenues, elegant homes and a very good shopping centre.
Do come for a rural holiday to High Weald and discover something more about England.
View country cottages in High Weald
Stay and feel what it is like to live in this area of outstanding natural beauty.